Modern Greek—a language with a rich tradition stretching all the way back to Homer and other ancient writers—is the official language here in Greece. English is taught in many schools in Athens, so a lot of people are comfortable using it in conversation, but folks get especially excited when I reveal I’m learning Greek and try my hand at using it!
Greece is a member state of the European Union, so they use the common currency of the EU called the euro. The exchange rate fluctuates day to day, but in general, one euro equals about $1.06 in US dollars.
Water is usually about one euro (so roughly $1.06 in USD), but the tap water is drinkable on the Greek mainland, so I often use a refillable water bottle!
I had an excellent παστίτσιο (pasticcio) at a traditional Greek taverna (tavern) over the weekend. Pasticcio is a pasta dish with minced meat and bechamel sauce, sometimes nicknamed Greek lasagna. This has become a favorite of mine, and this one in particular was πολύ νόστιμο (poli nostimo; very tasty).
